So, first of all, congrats on your little one making is safely into their new world! I’m so excited for you and can’t wait to hear all about their story during your session with me as your newborn photographer in Augusta, GA.

Having kids myself, I know that one of the most difficult aspects of having a newborn is getting them to sleep. Some newborns are phenomenal at this (lucky mamas!). However, some newborns have a much harder time. That’s what this post is for! If you’re struggling to get your little one to sleep, don’t worry, I have some tricks up my sleeve that are sure to quiet them down for the night. Let’s get into it!

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Black Out Curtains

Something to keep in mind is that your newborn has spent the bulk of their life thus far inside the womb. That means they’ve been surrounded by nothing but black. Even though their eyes are closed that entire time, they’re still highly sensitive to light particles. Light can still penetrate the eyelids, so black out curtains can help make your newborn feel that sense of comfort they felt in your belly!

Try a White Noise Machine

Keeping with the prior statement of “being in the womb”, your newborn has heard nothing but the general noise of the body. In the womb, the closest way science has been able to describe any noises they might hear is as white noise. If you can, invest in a white noise machine that you can turn on and off. If you cannot afford to do that, pull up white noise on your phone and leave it playing in the background while they fall asleep, then sneak in and grab your phone when they are for sure out!

*fun tip* running the vacuum outside their door can also simulate white noise and can help them fall asleep!

Put them to Bed as Soon as Their Bellies are Full

Newborns are extremely sensitive to their bodily needs. Your best bet for getting them to bed is to put them in the crib immediately after the following:

·       They’ve been fed and are full

·       You’ve successfully burped them

·       They have a new, clean diaper

·       They are wrapped in a warm outfit or swaddle

Just like us adults, babies are most tired after they’ve eaten a good meal and are in their favorite comfy clothes, so making sure they’re totally satisfied is key!

Settling them From the Crib

So, if you notice that your newborn is falling asleep in your arms, but when you transfer to the crib, they get fussy and can’t go back down, there’s a trick for that! Naturally, your munchkin will awaken during transfer, it’s always a little bumpy, that’s normal. If they do and they start crying, don’t walk away. Instead, kneel down or bend over and gently rest your hand on the middle of their back. Often times, this is enough to slowly settle them back down. When they seem like they’re out, slowly remove your hand. If they stir significantly, place it back down. If they don’t, quietly (but quickly) exit the room!

Some Additional Tips and Tricks

If you’ve done all of the above and fail to find peace, consider the following:

·       Reach out to your pediatrician. There could be a physical reason you’re just not aware of such as tummy aches.

·       Wrap them in a swaddle

·       Put on a lullaby machine

·       Set a mobile up over their crib that’ll rotate on its own

·       Add a small nightlight if it turns out its just too dark for them

·       Make sure the room isn’t too hot. Newborns are sensitive to temperature changes and prefer it warm, but not hot. Your version of hot may be different than theirs.

Do You Have any Other Tips for Getting a Newborn to Sleep at Home?

These are just a few of the tips and tricks out there for getting your newborn to sleep. If you happen to have any tips of your own that worked, leave a comment! I know this is a stressful time for you and your little one, but there is a solution out there. You just have to do some trial and error to find the perfect routine for you!

I cannot wait to meet you and your little one for your shoot with me as your newborn photographer in Augusta, GA! I look forward to hearing all about what methods worked for you and how your munchkin started their life!